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1 -
Moving in with Derek was the best thing that happened to Isaac.
As it turns out, becoming a werewolf didn’t stop him from being afraid of his father and when Derek saw first hand Mr Lahey hitting Isaac, Derek was quick to get Isaac out of the situation, barely holding himself back from killing the other man, calling the Sheriff and taking in Isaac until the court hearing. That was three months ago.
His father was in prison and had signed over his rights to Isaac, giving Derek temporary custody until further notice. Isaac had a room in the newly built Hale house, decorated himself with blue walls, a bookcase filled with non-fiction wildlife books, a shark rug on the floor that Stiles gifted him and an octopus stuffed toy in the middle of his bed. That was a gag gift from Erica but he slept with it.
It comforted him. Sue him.
Isaac and Derek were quick to form a routine. Wake up at 5:30 for the morning run. It helped Isaac calm his wolf before going to school. Breakfast at 6:30. Showered, dressed and ready by 7:30. At school by 7:45. After school, Isaac would catch a ride either with Stiles or Jackson back to the house where the pack would gather for dinner. Stiles would cook and Jackson, Erica and Lydia would argue over who got to pick the after dinner movie.
At 8:00, Derek would have Isaac do his homework at the table in the kitchen, helping whenever Isaac would ask. And at 9:00, Isaac had an hour of doing whatever he wanted before going to bed. Normally he’d do some reading or watch a couple of episodes of whatever TV show he was watching.
When it was time for bed, Derek always came into his room to say ‘Goodnight’ and the wolves would embrace in a hug that was so warm, Isaac cried the first time it had happened. He felt safe for the first time in so long and he had no one but Derek to thank for that.
He was always sound asleep by 10:30.
Today was no different. He woke up to Derek gently shaking his shoulder.
“It’s time to get up, pup.” The Alpha kept his tone soft - the first time he woke up Isaac, he shouted the phrase to wake him but that ended with Isaac having a full blown panic attack, thinking Mr Lahey had spoken. Derek felt so guilty, he vowed to himself to always keep his tone light, soft and comforting whenever he addressed Isaac.
Isaac groaned, whipping his eyes and stretching.
Derek smirked, ruffling the bedhead on top of the blond’s head, “Morning, Isaac.”
“Morning, Dad.”
Derek’s hand paused and he watched as Isaac sleepily closed his eyes, too tired to have noticed the slip up. Derek’s heart stuttered and tears threatened to cloud his eyes. Instead, he smiled and shook Isaac’s shoulder again.
“Come on, pup. It’s a nice morning for a run. Get yourself up.”
Isaac groaned again, sitting up with a yawn, “Fine. Fine. ‘m up. ‘m up.”
Derek chuckled lightly, going out the door, calling over his shoulder, “We’re going in five minutes.”
2 -
It happened again a few days later.
“Come on, Isaac! You’re gonna be late!” Derek called from the front door, keys in hand and looking at his watch.
“I’m coming!” Isaac yelled from his room before running down the stairs, shoving a textbook into his bag.
The wolves got into the car and as Derek drove, he noticed the nervous scent lingering on Isaac.
“Are you okay?”
Isaac nodded, “Yeah. I’m just anxious. This test is a third of my grade. If I fail then my whole plan is ruined.”
“You’re not gonna fail, Isaac.” Derek said, patting Isaac’s knee, “You have been studying non- stop. And with the mix of Stiles’ tutoring. You’ll be fine.”
“W-What if i fail?”
“Then you fail. We’ll figure it out if that is the case but I know you’ll do great.” The Alpha reassured, “Stiles told me you’ve improved immensely and that you’ve got the knowledge to ace this test. Just relax and try your best.”
“What if my best isn’t good enough?” The young wolf hid his eyes in his hands, “You’ll be disappointed and regret taking me in because I’m a failure.”
Derek parked the car in the school’s parking lot and tried to keep it together as he turned to Isaac. “Isaac, look at me.”
Big blue innocent eyes looked up at him through the blond curls that dangle on his forehead.
“Now, you listen to me and you listen good, pup.” Derek cupped the back of Isaac’s neck to keep his attention, “You are good enough. You have always been good enough. And I could never be disappointed in you for trying your absolute best. And I will never ever regret taking you in. You are not a failure and have never been so get those thoughts out of your head. If you pass, if you fail, whatever the results are, I am so proud of you for trying. I know you have the smarts to ace this test and go on to do amazing things and this test isn’t going to stop that. If you choke up and fail this test, it’s okay because I know you tried. I’m proud of you and always will be.” A tear fell down Isaac’s cheek and Derek whipped it away. The bell rang for the first period and Derek pulled him into a hug, cradling the younger boy against his chest, “You’ve got this, Isaac.”
“Thank you.”
They broke apart and Isaac dried off his face using his sleeve and smiled.
“Now go on. You don’t want to be late for the test.”
Isaac nodded, opening the door and getting out. He yelled, “Bye, Dad!” As he shut the door and ran inside the building.
Derek stared at the steering wheel for a moment, a soft smirk on his face and pride swelling in his chest.
3 -
It was the last week of school and Isaac could not wait until it ended.
Especially because of Luke Peterson. He’s a hot shot jock who thinks he owns the place and recently, he’s been a dick to Isaac. Why? Isaac has no idea. But he just keeps his head down and ignores him. And it normally works in his favour … until today.
It was a normal school day until lunch.
The pack was gathered around a table, gossiping and all laughs.
“What are we doing for Derek’s birthday?” Stiles asked the group.
“He said he didn’t want to do anything.” Isaac said.
Erica huffed, “Spoilsport.”
“We can’t just not celebrate it!” Stiles almost shrieked, “We should do a little pack party. Something small and not too social to scare off the sourwolf but big enough to show we care.”
Boyd smirked, “Some of us care more than others.”
Stiles blushed.
Isaac nudged his shoulder with his then gasped, “Shit.”
“What’s wrong?” Lydia asked as the pack watched Isaac sit up, his bag already over his shoulder.
“I forgot my final project. I left it in my locker and I need it for next period. I’ve got to go. See you guys.” He explained in a hurry, hearing the others say their goodbyes as he all but sprinted into the building.
He got to his locker and went to put in his combination when suddenly…
“Hey, Lahey!”
Isaac wanted to scream. Instead he opened his locker and didn’t reply.
“Hey, Lahey! I’m talking to you!” Luke and his band of buddies came in.
Isaac sighed, “What do you want, Luke?”
Luke leaned against the locker, “Just wanted to talk. Heard your dad’s in prison for beating your ass. Couldn’t stick up for yourself, Lahey? Couldn’t just hit the son of a bitch back?” The other two laughed as their leader went on, “I’ve always seen you as a bit timid, Lahey, but I never expected you to be such a pussy.” The three laughed.
Isaac felt his eyes shift so he quickly closed them, hands twitching as his claws came to the surface. He balled them into a fist, nails digging into his palms until blood dripped from his between his fingers.
The bullies saw this and took a step back from the blood and shaking boy.
“Dude, we were just playing!” Said one.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Said another.
“Isaac!” Stiles’ voice came from the side and he rushed to them. Seeing Isaac’s state, he knew he was losing control. He snapped at the trio, “Fuck off, you sacks of unwanted horse shit!”
The three were quick to move out of the way.
The bell rang and suddenly the footsteps of pupils were heard approaching.
“Fuck.” Stiles muttered before pushing a trembling Isaac away and into the disabled toilets, locking it behind him.
Isaac fell to the ground, head in his knees, claws digging themselves into the flesh of his thighs as he hyperventilated.
Stiles went to him, kneeling down in front of the boy and hesitantly began to stroke Isaac’s hair, “It’s okay, puppy. Just breathe. That’s it. Just breathe. Like this. In. out. In. out. In. out. That’s it. Good.”
Isaac’s breathing came in harsh gasps and shaky exhales and when he looked up, he was half shifted with tears streaming down his face.
“You’re okay, Isaac.” Stiles whispered, holding his arms out.
Isaac fell into his embrace and sobbed.
“I want Dad!” Isaac cried, “I n-need Dad. I-I need D-Dad!”
“Dad?” Stiles questioned, eyebrows knitted together, “You want… Mr Lahey?”
Isaac whimpered, folding in more on himself until he was fully on Stiles’ lap.
“Not him!” Isaac said hysterically, “Not him! Please not him! I want Dad!”
“Dad? Oh- Derek? You want Derek?” Stiles felt him nod and he quickly got his phone out and texted the Alpha.
‘Emergency. Isaac’s having a panic attack. Need you.’
Almost immediately, a text responded.
‘Oh my way. Where are you?’
‘Disabled toilets. Second floor.’
‘Be there in five.’
“Okay. He’s coming, puppy. He’s coming. Your Dad is on his way. Okay?”
After a moment, a knock came at the door and a familiar voice, “Stiles? It’s me.”
“Oh thank god.” Stiles said, stretching out to unlock the door.
As soon as Derek was inside, Isaac lifted his arms like a toddler and Derek gathered him willingly into his chest and held him with such gentle strength that mentally Isaac felt like a baby swaddled in a warm blanket.
Soon his breathing became even and the tears stopped.
“I’m sorry.” Isaac’s muffled voice came into the air.
Stiles was rubbing the boy’s back in soothing figures of eights, “You have nothing to be sorry for, puppy.”
“What happened, pup?”
And when Isaac explained, Derek’s arms got tighter around him and Stiles shook his head in anger.
“Those assholes.” He said.
“The worst thing about it was when they kept calling me ‘Lahey’.” Isaac said so quietly, Stiles’ human ears hardly caught it. But Derek heard it as clear as day.
“What do you mean, Isaac?”
“I don’t want to be a Lahey anymore. Every time I hear that name, it reminds me of the life I used to have. I’m not that person anymore. I don’t want to be that person anymore.”
Stiles smiled softly, “You can change your name, Isaac. Lots of people do it.”
Derek nodded in agreement, “You can have any name you want.”
Isaac looked at his lap, nervous all of a sudden.
“What is it?” Derek asked.
“Nothing. It’s stupid.”
“Nothing about you is stupid, pup.” Derek said, making Isaac look up at him.
Isaac shifted, “Can I be a Hale?”
4 -
Derek went to the Sheriff. He was the only authority figure that he trusted.
And Derek had to admit, going into the station without handcuffs around his wrists was almost strange.
He knocked on the Sheriff’s office door and waited for permission to enter.
“Come in.”
He did and as soon as he stepped through the door, he smelt the sweet intoxicating scent of Stiles. He was sitting opposite his Dad with a cup of coffee steaming in his hands.
“Is this a bad time?” Derek shuffled from one foot to the other.
Stiles jumped up, “No! Hey. Der. I was just giving Pops his lunch. Didn’t know you were dropping by.”
Derek watched his pale cheeks bloom into a soft pink and smiled. “I need to talk to the Sheriff.”
John Stilinski put down his folk, his half eaten chicken salad remaining on his desk as he straightened up, “Is everything okay?”
“Yes, sir. This is more of a… personal matter.”
“I see. Come and sit down.”
As Derek did, Stiles cleared his throat awkwardly, “Do you want me to go?”
“No.” Derek was quick to answer. “Sit. Please.”
Stiles sat beside the wolf and took glances between he father and Derek, anxiously waiting.
“What is this about, Derek?” John asked.
“It’s about Isaac.”
“What about Isaac?”
“He asked me if he could change his name to Hale.”
John’s eyebrows shot up, “He did? Well, isn’t that something.”
“It was.”
When Derek didn’t continue, John said, “And the reason you’re telling me this is because…”
Derek took a breath before answering, eyes firm and determined, “I wanted to see if it was possible to legally adopt Isaac.”
The Stilinski men froze, shocked and amused.
Stiles broke the silence by jumping for joy, “This is amazing! Who knew the big bad wolf had a soft spot! Derek! That’s a great idea! Dad, is it possible? Please say It’s possible. Those two deserve each other. They deserve happiness. Don’t you think so, Dad. Come on, say It’s possible-”
“Stiles.” John said, quieting his son, “Just give me a minute to think.”
Stiles gave him a thumbs up before sinking back into his seat.
Derek watched Stiles making a zipped mouth gesture before moving his gaze to the older Stilinski. The Sheriff was typing on his laptop before taking out some documents from his bottom desk drawer.
“Now. The adoption process is very complicated and very long unfortunately but I think I can pull a few strings, knowing you personally, and the situation with Isaac. And Isaac is legally an adult now. So it is a bit more complex. We need both you and Isaac to fill out an adoption request documentation and you need to fill out papers regarding medical, financial, legal and family history.” The Sheriff stacks documents and papers up on the desk in front of the wolf and smiles at Derek’s frown, “Once all that is filled out, I’ll send it out to Judge Mary Oakwood. She’s a dear friend of mine and she does the adoption hearings. She also knows about the supernatural.”
“She’s a wolf?” Derek asked.
“No. But her wife is. And their children.” John went back to take a bite of his food, “Judge Oakwood will take you and Isaac to court to address the adoption and she’ll decide whether to finalise it or not.”
Derek looked at the papers, “Do you think I can do it?”
“Do what?” John asked, taking a mouth full of salad.
“Be a Dad.”
John swallowed his food before getting up to stand in front of the Alpha, “Listen, Derek. No one is ready to be a parent. When I found out my wife was pregnant with Stiles, I was scared shitless.” The three men laughed lightly at that. “But becoming a father was the best thing that ever happened to me. I made some mistakes along the way but every parent does. And when i first met you, I thought you were a murderer and I put you in handcuffs. But then I got to watch you grow from a sheltered, traumatised kid into a strong, compassionate, hard working man. And I know, in my whole soul, that you will be a great father to Isaac. Do you know how I know?”
Emotional, Derek shook his head.
“Because you already are.” John said simply.
“He’s right, Der.” Stiles spoke. The wolf turned to him, “You protected Isaac, gave him a loving home, gave him food, shelter, family. When Isaac had a panic attack the other day, he begged for you. He begged for his Dad.” Stiles reached out to squeeze Derek’s hand, “He looks to you for comfort, safety, advice, wisdom and strength. Everything I look to in my Dad. Isaac is your son in every way except on paper.”
Derek squeezed Stiles’ hand back, a tear unable to stay contained as it fell down Derek’s stubbled cheek.
Stiles brushed it away gently and Derek could hear Stiles’ heart flutter within his chest.
The Sheriff cleared his throat. The two looked at the officer, blushing a bit but not letting go of each other's hand.
“You’re a good man, Derek Hale. And I know you’ll treat Isaac right.” He then looked at the conjoined hands, “And I know you’ll treat my son right also.”
Stiles groaned, smirking slightly, “Did you just give Derek your blessing?”
“Yep. But just know, Derek,” John’s face turned into something dark, “if you hurt my son, I’ll shove a wolfsbane bullet up where the sun doesn't shine. Understood?”
Derek nodded quickly, “Yes, sir.”
John went back to his desk and started eating, “Now, get out of my office, you two. You’ve got papers to fill out and I’ve got work to do.”
Stiles rolled his eyes but smiled as he was tugged up onto his feet by Derek, their hands still connected.
Derek shook the Sheriff’s hand before scooping up the papers from the desk, cradling them in the crook of his elbow - all without letting go of Stiles’ hand.
“Thank you.” The wolf said before pulling Stiles out the door.
****
After eating lunch at a diner, Derek and Stiles went back to the Hale house.
When they entered, Derek immediately heard the familiar sounds of Isaac snoring in the living room. The Alpha turned to Stiles and put a finger up to his lips, telling him to be quiet. Stiles mocked the gesture back with a huge grin.
They entered the living room and saw Isaac sound asleep on the couch. His lanky limbs barely fitting on the frame with his neck crooked and his feet dangling off the edge. His snores echoing the space and the Tv was showing the Netflix ‘Are you still watching?’ title. A book was open on the pup’s chest and an empty family size box of cheese-its was on the coffee table.
Derek and Stiles shared a fond look before the Alpha placed the papers onto the table before going towards Isaac. He slowly threatened his fingers into the blond curls and smiled when the pup nuzzled the palm in his sleep, making a little content noise from the back of his throat. He bookmarked the page Isaac had been reading before putting it on the table next to the documentations.
The older wolf then, without a stumble or strain, lifted the six foot one teenage werewolf up in his arms like he weighed nothing more than a bundle of grapes.
The pup in his arms snuggled against his chest like a child and wrapped his arms around the Alpha’s neck in embrace.
Derek turned towards Stiles with a proud smile.
Stiles shook his head fondly, “Go take him to bed.”
Derek nodded, held Isaac tighter and walked out of the room and in the direction to Isaac’s room.
Once in the room, he settled Isaac down on the bed, covering him up with his blanket and tucked his stuffed octopus teddy under the teens arm. Isaac cuddled up to the toy with a sigh of contentment and peace.
“Goodnight, pup.” Derek whispered, combing his fingers through Isaac’s blond locks gently.
Without opening his eyes, Isaac whispered back, “‘night, Dad.”
5 -
Going through the adoption papers was more tedious than anything.
When Derek presented the documentations to Isaac, the pup broke down in happy sobs, hugging the Alpha so tightly and refused to let go until Stiles cooked them dinner.
During the dinner, the three of them discussed the adoption and Isaac cried again over his mash potatoes, saying how finally he’ll get a Dad who actually cares about him.
That was almost a week ago.
Derek has been slaving away, gathering all the information he needed for the paperwork and going to various banks to obtain his family financial records.
Stiles helped him as much as he could but really he would make Derek take breaks between the hours he spent going over the papers.
Just like now as Derek was hunched over the kitchen table, a pen in his hand and a scowl on his face as he concentrated.
It was nearly two in the morning. Stiles was watching his boyfriend from the counter with an expression of concern, admiration and tiredness.
Isaac was asleep in his room and Stiles wanted to sleep also but wanted to be wrapped in Derek’s arms as he did.
He went over to Derek, rubbing the tense muscles in the Alpha’s shoulders as he ducked down to kiss the side of Derek’s head.
“Come to bed.” He urged, “The papers will still be here tomorrow.”
Derek sighed, “It’s ridiculous how hard this paperwork is. I mean, people all around the world fuck carelessly and end up with a kid but when you want one and have no other way then adoption, it’s like an obstacle course.”
Stiles hummed, wrapping his arms around Derek, forcing the wolf to put the pen down, kissing along the stubbled jaw. “I know. It’s unfair sometimes but it will all be worth it once it’s done.”
“You’re right.”
“I always am.”
“Don’t get cocky.” Derek huffed, a small chuckle escaping as he turned his head to capture Stiles’ lips in a soft kiss.
Stiles ended up in Derek’s lap, their lips connected and Stiles fisted the hair at the back of Derek’s head as the kiss grew in intensity. Derek’s arms caged the teen in towards his muscular chest, hands exploring Stiles’ back, ass and hips.
Just as their groins were about to get excited to the point of making themselves known through their clothing, Derek stopped, pulled back and did that head tilt thing he does when he’s heard something.
Stiles found it adorable. But right now, it was concerning.
“What is it?”
“Isaac.”
Then suddenly, Isaac’s terrified scream echoed in the house, followed with the words, “DAD! DAD! HELP!”
The couple was up and they ran to the pup’s room. Derek, half shifted and ready to attack, opened the door with his red eyes blazing the dark space.
There in the middle of the bed was a shaking Isaac, tears falling, claws ripping the sheets of his bed as sweat drenched his skin. His bata eyes shining with fear and his fangs out, poking his red bitten lips.
“DAD!” Isaac yelled again, seeming to not see Derek and Stiles already there. Fear consuming him. “DAD!”
Derek went to him, putting his hand against Isaac’s nose so that his scent could bring the pup back into reality and away from the dream-like state.
“I’m here, Isaac. I’m here.” Derek soothed.
Getting the whiff of the Alpha’s scent, Isaac looked at Derek and let out a heart-breaking sob. “Dad.” He choked out and all but flew into Derek’s arms, burning his head into the older man’s neck. He cried, holding on tightly to Derek’s shoulders, body shaking.
“I’m here, pup.” Derek whispered, rubbing the blond’s back, “I’ve got you. You’re safe. You’re safe. Nothing is going to hurt you. No one is going to hurt you. I won’t let that happen. I’ve got you. You’re safe now. You’re safe.”
Derek looked to see Stiles at the door frame, worry written all over his face.
Stiles stepped forward and sat at the foot of the bed, a sad smile formed on his lips, “How about we go to the main bedroom and put on a movie. I’ll make some hot milk and get the extra blankets from the den.”
Isaac’s wet eyes looked up to see Stiles and he nodded his head slowly.
It wasn’t long until the three of them were snuggled in Derek’s queen size bed, covered in blankets with a mug filled with hot milk and a Marvel movie playing on the screen.
Once Isaac had finished his milk, he was quickly asleep with his head pillowed on Derek’s chest, his octopus teddy in his arms and a face of contentment.
Derek tugged the pup in closer and looked over to see Stiles watching them. He reached over to cup the side of Stiles’ face.
“Thank you for being here.” The Alpha said.
Stiles nuzzled into the palm and gave the wrist a soft kiss before running his fingers through Isaac’s hair. “There’s no place I’d rather be.”
1+ -
The pack entered the courtroom.
They were all dressed formally and Derek held onto Stiles’ hand like an anchor, drowning in worry and restlessness.
Isaac was on the other side of Stiles, his hand on Stiles’ arm as if to steady himself.
Jackson, Lydia, Scott, Boyd, Erica and Sheriff Stilinski were behind the three, walking along the courtroom, their footsteps echoing the room.
Judge Mary Oakwood was already sitting at her bench with a smile. She was a black woman with long black curly hair and pointy glasses that made her face look strong.
“Ah, Mr Hale.” She said when she saw them, “Please could you and Isaac join me at the stand.”
The rest of the pack took their seats in the audience. Stiles gave Derek a soft kiss and Isaac a hug before joining the others as Derek and Isaac made their way towards the judge.
“I see we are here for an adult adoption request.”
Derek nodded, “Yes, Ma’am.”
Isaac reached up to grip onto the sleeve of the black button down shirt Derek was wearing. He was nervous.
“I’ve been over your papers and all that and I am very happy with the information and the helpful notes I have been given by Sheriff Stilinski. The files are filled out correctly and in that regard I have no problems.” She then looked at Isaac and smiled, “Now. Isaac, would you please tell me why you want to be adopted by Mr Hale.”
Isaac took a breath, straightened his back and said, “My childhood was taken away from me. I had an absent mother, a dead older brother and an abusive father. My life was filled with nothing but fear, anxiety and loneliness. I had no birthday cards, no Christmas presents. Never went trick or treating…” Tears gathered in everyone's eyes as they heard this, but Isaac continued, “My father would hit me, kick me, throw glass cups at me and plates… and he would lock me in an empty freezer in the basement as a punishment. I wasn’t loved. At all. Then I met Derek and a group of people I now call my family.” He looked at the pack then back at the judge, “I finally felt like I belonged somewhere.” A tear fell down the pup’s cheek. “Then Derek saved me. He saw what my father was doing and instead of looking the other way - which a lot of adults in my life did when they saw the bruises - he took me out of there and had Mr Lahey arrested. With nowhere else to go, he took me in. He gave me a room, a bed, food, shelter… he gave me a home and a family. He showed me love, support, comfort, and protection. He did things my biological father should’ve been doing. He helps me with my homework. He comforts me when I’m sad. He encourages me. He fights for me. He loves me. I feel loved for the first time in my life.” Isaac looked up to see Derek silently crying as he watched him. “I love you, Dad.” He said to Derek.
Derek brought him into a hug, a large hand cradling the back of Isaac’s head. “I love you too, pup.”
When they pulled apart, they turned to see an emotional Mary in her booth.
“I see nothing but a loving family.” She said and looked at Derek, “You have given this boy a second chance at a family and you have done an amazing job.” She gave him some papers. “This is a document for the legal change of Isaac’s name to be changed from Lahey to Hale. You two must sign the bottom.” She gave them a pen and they quickly signed their names on the lines given. Derek gave the paper back, only to be given a second document.
“And this is the finalisation of the adult adoption papers. Sign the bottom.”
They did and gave it back to the judge.
Mary smiled brightly, eyes shining with happy tears, “I am now so honoured to make you, Mr Derek David Hale and Mr Isaac Robert Hale - Father and son.” She slammed her gavel down.
It was final.
The pack erupted with cheers and cries.
Derek hugged his son tightly and Isaac cried into the Alpha’s chest. Soon the rest of the pack surrounded them and joined in on the hug. Stiles wiggled his way in to kiss Derek’s lips and Isaac’s forehead.
“I have a family.” Isaac cheered.
“Yes you do, pup.” Derek said, tucking Stiles in at his side and ruffling Isaac’s head, “And this family is here to stay.”
Isaac attacked Derek in another hug. “Thank you, Dad.” He whispered into Derek’s neck.
The Alpha held on just as tightly, whispering back, “No. Thank you , son.”
The End.